The ban aims to reduce "harms" on children and will take at least a year to implement, the PM says.

While the major parties support the ban, many child welfare and mental health advocates are concerned about unintended consequences.

The Australian Senate is debating a ban on children younger than 16 from social media after the House of Representatives overwhelmingly supported the age restriction.

The bill stems from growing concerns over the risks of social media on children’s mental and physical health.